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Overcrowding on Gatineau buses getting worse, numbers show

A Radio-Canada investigation has found an increasing number of Gatineau city buses — including many that run into Ottawa — are so overcrowded they're passing by waiting riders because there isn't enough space on board.

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The number of overcrowded STO buses has increased by 70 per cent between September 2017 and September 2018, according to information obtained by Radio-Canada. As a result, many are blowing by bus stops — leaving riders frustrated. (Krystalle Ramlakhan/CBC)

Gatineau city buses — including many that run into Ottawa — are so overcrowded that an increasing number are forced to bypass waiting riders because there isn't enough space on board.

This past September, the number of overcrowded Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) buses jumped 70 per cent compared to the same time in 2017, according to information obtained by Radio-Canada through an access to information request.

The STO bus stop overcrowded buses most often blew right past was in Ottawa, close to Parliament Hill near Wellington and Bank streets. Buses bypassed the stop 173 times, according to Radio-Canada's analysis.

The failure of STO buses to stop — and the tense, close quarters on those that do —has left transit riders like David Rene de Cotret frustrated.

"I have to stand all the time. A lot of people have to stand. We have those older couples that have to stand too, as well. And it's tough," said de Cotret, who boards the bus near a park-and-ride in Aylmer.

"This is a main stop for STO. I don't see why we don't have all the buses stop here."

David Rene de Cotret rides STO buses from Aylmer into Ottawa, and says they're often so crowded even elderly people have to stand. (Krystalle Ramlakhan/CBC)

'Happens quite often'

Caroline Tessier says it's stressful when she sees her bus blow past, especially when she's planning to pick up her kids from school.